Smashburger Adds Three New Franchise Owners to Burger Family

Franchise Pipeline Largest in Company History

December 08, 2015 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Smashburger,
the rapidly expanding better burger restaurant concept, today announced
it has added three new owners to its growing family of better burger
franchisees. The combined commitment for 15 new restaurants brings the
Smashburger brand’s total active franchise pipeline to over 350 units
set to open over the next several years. As a part of the brand’s
ongoing goal to expand operations across all 50 states and abroad, the
agreements launch the Smashburger brand into new markets in Alaska
including Anchorage and The Valley, California including San Jose and
Monterey Bay, and Colin County in Texas.

“This expansion into three new markets presents substantial growth
opportunities for the brand,” commented Scott Crane, Chief Executive
Officer of Smashburger Franchising LLC. “Residents continue to seek
restaurants with quality ingredients at an affordable price and we’re
looking forward to introducing the Smashburger brand’s diverse menu and
unique dining experience with seasoned franchise owners who we’re
confident will make the brand successful.”

Each of these new Smashburger franchise owners brings extensive
restaurant operations and management experience to the table.
Smashburger Franchising LLC is pleased to announce agreements with the
following franchise owners to debut and expand upon the brand’s growing
fast casual presence in the following markets:

Alaska –Alaska SB LLC has agreed to open the brand’s first
Smashburger restaurants in Anchorage and The Valley. The new group
will be building three Smashburger restaurants over the next three
years and consists of Sandi and Mark Larson and their operating
partner Gretchen Kenny. The new group has considerable experience
owning and operating businesses in the community.

San Jose/Monterey Bay, CA –TK Loesch has agreed to open seven
Smashburger restaurants in the San Jose/Monterey Bay, CA area. Mr.
Loesch has several years of restaurant experience and currently owns
and operates other QSR restaurants in the Monterey Bay area.

Colin County, TX –Big D Dining, LLC has agreed to debut
Smashburger in Colin County, TX with five new restaurant locations
slated to open in the next five years. The group consists of Chad,
Morgan, Terry and Nancy Gassaway and Operator Michael Odell who will
bring significant restaurant management experience to the Smashburger
team.

Smashburger Franchising LLC has sold a total of 187 franchise units in
2015, making it the largest year in the company’s history of franchise
sales. After increasing its focus on growing strategically in domestic
and international markets, the company has been successful in engaging
seasoned franchise groups to successfully grow the brand’s footprint in
new and existing markets.

Smashburger is a leading fast casual “better burger” restaurant known
for its fresh never frozen, 100% Certified Angus Beef® burgers that are
smashed on the grill to sear in the juices, creating an upscale quality
burger packed with flavor and served at a great value. In addition to
burgers, Smashburger offers grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, fresh
salads, signature side items such as Haystack onions and Veggie Frites,
and hand-spun Haagen-Dazs shakes. On each market menu, Smashburger
offers locally inspired items like the regional burger, as well as
regional sides & local craft beer. The company began in 2007 with the
vision of Rick Schaden and funding by Consumer Capital Partners—the
private equity firm that Rick and his father Richard own. Smashburger
now operates more than 340 corporate and franchise restaurants in 35
states and seven international countries. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com.